Three Must-See Tennessee Festivals This Summer

The summer is a great season to get out and enjoy one of Tennessee’s many festivals. Keep reading to learn about three of them you shouldn’t pass up.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

Held since 2002 at  the 700-acre Great Stage Park in Manchester, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival features dozens of acts ranging from chart toppers to indie up and comers. Past guests have included Beatle Paul McCartney and Fitz and the Tantrums, a Neo Soul act known for high energy and great vocals. U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are two of the headliners this year. Many vendors come and sell art like dreamcatchers or paintings, and you can also get art on your body in the form of temporary tattoos.

This year, the festival takes place from June 8-11, and you can expect that music and other festivities will go from about noon each day until very early the next morning. Tickets for general admission start at $349.50 plus applicable fees. However, you can also splurge on a two-ticket Platinum package for $5,000 that includes access to premium stage viewing areas, food served in a special hospitality tent, and the chance to camp in a designated area with other people who have also paid for upscale tickets.

Taste of Music City Festival

Nashville is well-known for its country music scene and major record label offices, but music isn’t the only thing Music City offers. The Taste of Music City Festival proves this, because it’s the largest celebration of food and drink in Nashville. Occurring on June 17 in Public Square Park, the festival offers an all-inclusive ticket that lets attendees feast on gourmet food and sip on high-quality specialty beverages for the entire festival, which happens from 5-9 p.m. What better way to take care of dinner for that night?

There is also an instructional element to the festival that allows people to watch as talented chefs whip up new and familiar cuisines. If you’re seeking a little inspiration for the meals made in your own kitchen, be sure to check out some of the awesome demonstrations.

General admission advance tickets are $59 plus applicable fees, but kids can go to the festival for $15 plus fees. Proceeds benefit St. Luke’s Community House, a charity that helps low-income individuals in West Nashville.

The Chattanooga Market’s Red, White, and Blueberries Festival

The Chattanooga Market has become an area favorite because it’s a bustling place for people to buy produce and other locally sourced items. It’s also known for having several festivals. One notable option is the Red, White, and Blueberries Festival, which happens this year on July 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a big appetite, enter a blueberry pie eating contest. Otherwise, just enjoy browsing for the various items available for purchase that feature blueberries on the ingredients list. This free event happens at the First Tennessee Pavilion.

Hopefully these three summer festivals get you excited for some of what Tennessee has to offer. While visiting them, you can enjoy good music and tasty food while potentially meeting new friends.

Image via Pixabay

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